Former Blue Raider Named Team Captain in Rio Olympics

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Former Middle Tennessee standout John Ampomah was named team captain for the Ghana National Team in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and is set to compete with current Blue Raider runner, Janet Amponsah, next week.

“I’m not surprised that John was named team captain,” said Middle Tennessee head coach Dean Hayes.  “I’ve always said he’s been the leader of the pack, just because of what he has done with the athletes here (at Middle Tennessee), he’s really mature, he’s a national record holder in the javelin throw, and an Olympian, so he has all of the qualifications to get elected captain.”

All-American and MTSU Senior standout John Ampomah is set to serve his home nation of Ghana as team captain in Rio for the Olympic Games
Former All-American and MTSU standout John Ampomah is set to serve his home nation of Ghana as team captain in Rio for the Olympic Games

Ghana’s national team is comprised of 14 athletes across five different sports in the 2016 games.  Being named team captain for the country is one of the biggest honors for an athlete.

“The only honor that is bigger in the Olympics is carrying the flag at the opening ceremony, for John (Ampomah) being named team captain has to be a huge honor for him,” stated Hayes.

The two athletes qualified for Rio in July, and are set to perform starting Monday, Aug. 15.

The javelin sensation Ampomah will be in action Wednesday Aug. 17, with the first men’s javelin heat beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by the second heat at 7:55 p.m.  Finals for the javelin throw are set for Saturday, Aug. 20 at 6:55 p.m.

Amponsah will be running in the round one women’s 200 meter heat Monday morning.  The first heat was slated to begin at 7:35 a.m. and the last at 8:15 a.m. Amponsah did not qualify for the finals.
In addition to the 200 meter, the Ghanaian sprint queen will serve as the anchor leg in the 4 x 100 relay.  Round one of the women’s 4 x 100 relay is set for Thursday Aug. 18, with the first heat beginning at 9:20 a.m. and the second at 9:28 a.m.

All events can be watched live here

To read more, or view the schedule where these MTSU student athletes will compete, click here.